Foods to Naturally Lift Your Mood

January 08, 2019

We all have bad days. On occasion, we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, Sometimes our mood dips in the middle of the day out of nowhere. It happens. But don’t go running to the café for a caffeine fix or to the bar for some mood uppers in the form of shots just yet!

It is known that just the action of eating could trigger happiness on its own. But there are some foods out there that could turn your emotional tide, making it a double whammy for safe measure. We’ve put together a list of natural, healthier alternatives to get your spirits up and running again.

Lentils

It’s a staple in a lot of Asian and Middle-Eastern cuisines. This lens-shaped legume is a complex carbohydrate so it’s good to have it in your diet no matter. It also helps the brain produce serotonin—the neurotransmitter that gives us that “feel-good” effect. They are also very high in folate, deficiency in which has been linked to depression. Lentils are a mood-affecting powerhouse since they also stabilise sugar and boost iron in the bloodstream, resulting in a balanced mood and a bit of energy boost as well.

Turkey and Chicken

White meat from the two helps the body absorb the amino acid tryptophan better. Tryptophan is a vital ingredient in the production of serotonin, the “pleasure” neurotransmitter. They also contain melatonin, which improves sleep. Lean parts of chicken and turkey also contain tyrosine—an amino acid that reduce depression symptoms. Tyrosine also plays part in adrenaline production, which is a known energy boosting hormone.

Oily Fish

The brain’s dry weight is about 60% fat. Around 30% of that fat content is omega-3 fatty acid. Oily fish are high in omega-3. So regular but moderate consumption of fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel to name a few, would replenish the brain’s omega-3 content resulting in a more sound mind and mood. Studies have connected the deficiency in omega-3 to depression and general bad frame of mind.

Fermented Foods

Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy population of good gut fauna plays a vital role in a person’s capacity to feel physical, mental, and emotional pleasure. It could even alter behavior. Fermented foods rich in probiotics could not only affect general health but one’s mood as well. So do take the time to include stuff like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, etc. in your diet.

Oysters

People who eat oysters seem very happy not solely due to the fact that they’re eating oysters but also because it’s very high in zinc. Zinc is vital in maintaining energy levels and brain function, which means, yes, better mood. They’re also high in the previously mentioned amino acid tyrosine—a compound vital in mood elevation.

We did not include the usual stuff like dark chocolate and nuts since they are pretty well-known mood boosters.

We listed things to put in your body when you’re feeling a bit off. But at the other end of the spectrum lies the stuff that you need to bring out of the body. These are mood-dampening toxins. And a tea detox is one of the safest ways to get rid of those nasty stuffs that keep us from having good times. ThinTea’s Detox and Fat Burn packs are here to help you maintain a good temperament and perhaps lose a few inches at the waist. Claritea, Sleepy Slumber, and Stress Less blends are also available in our shop if you need to bump up your spirits more.